Peekskill students start school with a new look

Peekskill students started school Thursday with a new look, which officials hope will lead to a better education.

The Peekskill Board of Education adopted a dress code that applies to all students in public schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. Among its provisions is a ban of clothing that could be considered gang-related, sexually suggestive or dangerous.

However, from a parent?s perspective, the dress code is also designed to simplify clothing choices and minimize costs. One parent said the code brings order to the school and lessens competition between students. However, not all parents agreed with the dress code. Some said they would rather the school require uniforms instead of restrictions on clothing.

At one point, the district did consider uniforms. However, the school superintendent said a dress code is easier to enforce.